Nearly 500 take part in the 37th annual YMCA Turkey Trot

NORWICH – Light flurries were falling from the sky on Sunday as the gun fired into the air marking the start of the 37th annual Turkey Trot in front of the Norwich Family YMCA. That did not stop the runners from taking the streets of downtown Norwich for the 5k run/walk race.

Nearly hitting the goal of 500 runners, Shannon Gawronski – Norwich YMCA Health and Fitness Director and race coordinator – was pleased with the turnout of the event. “It was a a beautiful day,” said Gawronski. “Yes the snow was falling but it was the nice, light falling flakes. The warm temperature at the start was better than the past few years. It was a great turn out.”

Amanda and Matt LoPiccolo finished the race together and were crowned the overall winners of their respective genders. Amanda’s time was 18:41.24 and Matt crossed the finish line .8 seconds after.

All in the family

Prior to the 5k run/walk race, the Kids Neighborhood Run took place. Both of the LoPiccolo’s children ran in the event, a race that saw about 20-30 children on the block around the YMCA.

Matt’s sister Beth Marks also had children participate in the kids run while Marks took to the streets to create a family event. “The family involvement is exactly what this event is meant to be,” said Gawronski. “[The LoPiccolo] family wasn’t the only group that had most if not all members involved and it is great to see.”

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Fun for all ages

Some of the runners/walkers who used to take part in the Kids Neighborhood Run turned their focus onto the bigger 5k course. Of the participants registered, 80 were between the ages of 0-19.

Six of the runner/walkers were between the ages of 70 and above.

Dressing up

For the the first time in the existence of the event, Gawronski created a “Best Dressed Award.” Any person who took part in the race and was dressed in a “Thanksgiving” themed costume was entered into a special contest.

“The idea behind the award is to add a little fun to the event,” said Gawronski. “We had some dressed up and we loved it. There were a few people dressed like turkeys and pilgrims. We are looking to keep this award around and can’t wait to see the costumes in the future.”

The winner of the award in its inaugural year was Barbara Green LaRose.

A time to be thankful

Gawronski and the YMCA say thank you to the many volunteers that helped with the race. “Each and every year, we have a great volunteer turnout and we are so thankful for every single one of those people,” said Gawronski. “The race wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for them.”

Gawronski also extends a thank you to Norwich City Police department for their assistance throughout race day as they keep all of the participants safe while out on the course.

The Norwich Family YMCA thanks the all sponsors of the event as each help make the race possible.

Below are the top three racers in each age group:

Overall Female winner

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Amanda Lo Piccolo 18:41.24

Female 11 and Under

1. McKenzie Hagenbuch 26:54.83; 2. Aspen Koehl 28:50.32; 3. Abigail Denz 29:21.61

Female 12-15

1. Kadence York 26:07.15; 2. Alexis Slate 27:22.79; 3. Kayla Mace 30:05.16

Female 16-19

1. Morgan Pierce 23:56.31; Cassie Pierce 28:21.23; 3. Macey Montgomery 28:59.43

Female 20-29